Cairnlea suburb profile
Cairnlea is a modern suburb located 17km northwest of Melbourne's CBD, known for its well-planned residential areas and green spaces. Developed in the early 2000s, Cairnlea offers a mix of contemporary homes and townhouses, attracting families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with urban conveniences. The suburb features the picturesque Cairnlea Park and Brimbank Park, providing ample recreational opportunities. With its proximity to major roads and public transport, Cairnlea ensures easy access to the city and surrounding areas. Its community-oriented atmosphere and growing amenities make it an appealing choice for residents looking for a balanced lifestyle.
Cairnlea property market performance
Current median dwelling price$692,937.5Past 3 months
Property growth+2.8%Past 12 months
Cairnlea’s property market has shown positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 7.6%, bringing the median house price to approximately $970,250. The unit market, however, has remained stagnant with no change in median value. Over the last three months, 24 houses and 7 units have been sold, indicating a stronger demand for houses.
Houses in Cairnlea are selling relatively quickly, with a median of 24 days on the market, while units are taking significantly longer at 79 days, suggesting a slower pace in the unit market. The rental market has seen moderate increases, with house rents rising by 3.8% and unit rents by 7.2%, reflecting a steady demand for rental properties in the area.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $970K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 7.6% | -2.0% |
Sold Past 3 months | 24 | 7 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 24 | 79 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $600 | $493 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 3.8% | 7.2% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Cairnlea demographics
Cairnlea, located in Melbourne's western suburbs, is a family-friendly area known for its spacious parks and modern amenities. With a population of 10,038 and a median age of 36, it attracts a mix of young families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city. The suburb's proximity to major roads and public transport options makes it convenient for commuting, while its local schools and shopping centers cater to the needs of its residents.
The housing landscape in Cairnlea is predominantly owner-occupied, with 33.8% of properties owned outright and 50.8% owned with a mortgage. This reflects a stable community with a strong sense of home ownership. Only 15.4% of properties are rented, indicating a preference for long-term residency among its inhabitants. The suburb's family-oriented nature is further highlighted by the fact that 57.4% of households are couple families with children, making it an ideal location for those looking to raise a family in a supportive environment.
Cairnlea's community is diverse, with a mix of cultural backgrounds contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. The suburb's parks and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, while local events and community groups foster a sense of belonging among residents. With a median household income of $2,062 per week, Cairnlea offers a comfortable standard of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in Melbourne's growing western corridor.
Cairnlea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Cairnlea is in its final phase of long-term redevelopment on land formerly used as the Albion Explosives Factory, with Development Victoria planning around 500 new homes and associated public realm upgrades across approximately 41 hectares along Cairnlea Drive and Ballarat Road.[4] This last stage of remediation and regeneration is expected to increase local housing supply, modernise the suburb’s built form, and enhance nearby open space, which may support both buyer demand and future capital growth.[4]
The suburb already benefits from strong road connectivity via the M80 and Ballarat Road, providing convenient access to major employment centres, which underpins its appeal to commuting households.[3][4] As the final development stage progresses and integrates with existing parks, walking tracks and established amenities, overall livability in Cairnlea is likely to improve further, reinforcing its position as a sought-after residential location.[4]
Cairnlea rental market trends
The rental market in Cairnlea has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 3.8% over the past year to $600 per week, while unit rents have seen a more significant rise of 7.2% to $493 per week. This suburb continues to attract renters and investors alike, offering a balanced mix of affordability and potential for future growth.
Suburbs near Cairnlea
Some popular suburbs near Cairnlea include:
How does Cairnlea compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Cairnlea’s median house price is 35.9% higher than Albanvale’s.
- Median unit prices: Cairnlea’s median unit price is 16.9% lower than St Albans’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cairnlea have grown 1.5% higher than in Deer Park.
- Unit price growth: Property prices in nearby St Albans have risen 9.6% more than in Cairnlea over the past year.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Cairnlea are selling 35.1% faster than in St Albans.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby St Albans are selling 62.0% faster than in Cairnlea.
- Investment considerations: In Cairnlea, the rental yield for house is 4.5% lower than the Melbourne average, while the rental yield for units is 15.6% lower.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cairnlea have grown 9.3% lower than the average rate of growth across Melbourne.
- Unit price growth:Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Cairnlea have grown 30.5% lower than the average rate of growth for units across Melbourne.

